Modular retainer clip assembly for use in an automobile

ABSTRACT

A retainer clip assembly for securing a sun visor interiorly in an automobile. The retainer clip assembly includes a movable lever attached thereto which secures the retainer clip assembly to a vehicle ceiling panel. The lever includes a release member which is accessible from the exterior of the retainer clip, so that the lever may be disengaged and the retainer clip removed. A transportation clip is disclosed for use with the retainer clip assembly. The transportation clip connects the retainer clip to a headliner module during transportation to the final point of assembly. At the final point of assembly, the retainer clip can be pushed into its installed position and the transportation clip is concealed within the retainer clip and need not be removed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to automobile modules, and inparticular, to a modular retainer clip assembly for use in an automobilemodule which will ultimately become part of an assembled automobile.

Sun visors for vehicles are typically mounted on the vehicle bodyceiling panel by a bracket assembly that provides both a horizontal axisabout which a visor blade pivots between a storage position adjacent thevehicle headliner and a use position adjacent the windshield, and agenerally vertical axis about which the visor pivots between a forwardwindshield position and a side window position. The need to usefasteners and tools, either powered or hand driven, in the installationinto vehicles of many existing sun visor mounting bracket assemblies andretainer clips is undesirable for a number of reasons. For example, inaddition to diminishing the aesthetics of the finished product,fasteners may be more labor intensive to install and therefore expensiveto employ. Fasteners may also be costly as well as potentially damagingto the vehicle.

A variety of sun visor mounting assemblies have been developed, such asthose disclosed and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,062,608, 5,242,204 and5,499,854. U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,854 is owned by the assignee of thepresent invention, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

While the above-mentioned art was suitable for its intended purpose, newmanufacturing methods are revolutionizing the way car makers produceautomobiles. In particular, the automobile industry is moving toward“modular manufacturing,” which is an efficient outsourcing scheme whichpromises to shave thousands of dollars from the cost of building eachcar. In brief, modular manufacturing is a system whereby individualsuppliers provide the automobile manufacturer/assembler with one or more“modules.” For example, a front end module may include the main framecarrier, the bumper beam, the engine cooling system and the lightingsystem. Other modules could include chassis, axles and suspension,tire/wheels, or engine/transmission.

A headliner module can include the headliner, typically a compressionmolded piece with a cloth cover, cloths hanger hooks, grab handles andthe entire sun visor assembly. The sun visor assembly includes the sunshade, the wiring, the clips, the rotating brackets, etc.

It is desirable to provide a retainer clip assembly adapted to be easilytransported as part of a module and easily installed by the endassembler of the automobile.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a retainer clip assembly which can beeasily transported with a larger module and easily installed to themodule as part of the final assembly of the automobile. The inventiveretainer clip assembly utilizes a lever movably attached to the retainerclip body. The lever fits through an opening extending through theceiling panel of the module and secures the retainer clip thereto. Theinvention also provides a transportation clip which connects theretainer clip to the headliner during transportation of the module.

In one form thereof, the present invention provides an automobileinterior assembly. The assembly includes a ceiling panel and a retainerclip releasably secured to the ceiling panel. The retainer clip definesa notch. The retainer clip includes a release member accessibleexteriorly of the retainer clip, whereby engagement of the releasemember disengages the retainer clip from the ceiling panel.

In a preferred form thereof, the retainer clip includes a lever movablyattached thereto, the lever securing the retainer clip to the ceilingpanel. The lever defines the release member and the ceiling paneldefines an opening therethrough. The lever engages the ceiling panelproximate an edge of the opening. Conveniently, the lever is concealedby the retainer clip and the ceiling panel.

In another form thereof, the present invention provides a retainer clipfor use in an automobile, the automobile including a rigid panel havinga headliner adjacent thereto, and an opening extending through the paneland headliner for insertion of the retainer clip. The retainer clipcomprises a retainer clip body defining an edge adapted to abut theheadliner, the retainer clip further defining a notch. A lever ismovably attached to the retainer clip. The lever is positionable in afirst position wherein the lever is adapted for insertion into theopening and a second position wherein the lever engages the rigid panelthereby securing the retainer clip.

In a preferred form thereof, the lever further comprises a releasemember accessible from outside of the retainer clip, whereby theretainer clip can be removed. The retainer clip body forms an accesshole therethrough for accessing the release member. The lever furtherincludes a slot adapted to receive a portion of the rigid panel proximalto the opening. The lever includes a slot defined by a pair ofprojections, at least one of the projections adapted to engage the rigidpanel.

In yet another form thereof, the present invention provides anautomobile interior assembly. The assembly comprises a headlinerdefining an opening therethrough, a retainer clip having a notch forreleasably receiving a rod of a vehicle sun visor, and a transportationclip disposed in the opening. The transportation clip includes a flangeand a catch member. The retainer clip is positionable by thetransportation clip in a pre-installed position, wherein the flangehooks the transportation clip to the headliner and the catch memberreleasably retains the retainer clip.

In a preferred form, the assembly further comprises a rigid panelpositioned adjacent the headliner. The retainer clip is furtherpositionable in an installed position, wherein in the installedposition, the catch member is disengaged from the retainer clip and thetransportation clip is maintained with and concealed by the retainerclip. The flange member is sandwiched between the headliner and therigid panel in the installed position.

In another preferred form, the retainer clip further comprises a levermovably attached thereto, the lever movable between a first positionwherein the lever is adapted for insertion into the opening and a secondposition corresponding to the installed position wherein the leversecures the retainer clip and the transportation clip to the headlinerand the rigid panel. A release member is accessible exteriorly of theretainer clip, whereby said retainer clip can be removed from saidassembly.

One advantage of the present invention is that it provides a retainerclip assembly which can be transported as part of a larger module.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the transportationclip provided for transporting the retainer clip with the module neednot be removed prior to final installation of the retainer clip.Advantageously, this reduces material waste and accelerates the assemblyprocess.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the lockingmechanism and associated release member provides a convenient mechanismfor installing the retainer clip yet allowing removal thereof at a latertime. Conventionally, interior components of an automobile snap intoplace during initial installation, but are difficult to remove, andoften break in the event that they are removed. The release member ofthe present invention avoids this problem.

Yet another advantage of certain embodiments of the present invention isthat a tactile sensation and an audible clicking sound are provided whenthe retainer clip is correctly installed. Thus, a greater percentage ofclips in accordance with the present invention will be properlyinstalled.

Still another advantage of the present invention is that both the leverand the transportation clip are concealed within the confines of thehousing of the retainer clip, so that the retainer clip is bothfunctional and attractive.

Still another advantage of the present invention is that thetransportation clip can be flat molded, then bent or formed into shape,thereby reducing tooling and manufacturing costs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other advantages and objects of this invention,and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and theinvention itself will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of embodiments incorporating the invention taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of an interior portion of anautomobile which includes the vehicle headliner, sun visor assembly, andinventive retainer clip in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a retainer clip in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a second perspective view of the retainer clip shown in FIG. 2taken from a different angle;

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view illustrating the relationship of theretainer clip of FIG. 2 with the panel and headliner of an automobile;

FIGS. 5-7 show a sequence of steps for the installation of the retainerclip shown in FIG. 3 into the interior of an automobile;

FIG. 7A is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the portionindicated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view illustrating the disengagement of therelease member of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a retainer clip inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a retainer clip in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates yet another embodiment of a retainer clip inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates yet another embodiment of a retainer clip inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate a sequence of steps for the installation of theretainer clip of FIG. 9 into an automobile interior;

FIGS. 16-18 shown a sequence of steps for the installation of theretainer clip of FIG. 10 into an automobile interior;

FIGS. 19-21 show a sequence of steps for the installation of theretainer clip of FIG. 11 into an automobile interior;

FIGS. 22-24 illustrate a sequence of steps for the installation of theretainer clip of FIG. 12 into an automobile interior;

FIG. 24A is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the retainer clip ofFIG. 12 which illustrates the locking mechanism;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view exploded away illustrating therelationship of a transportation clip in accordance with the presentinvention, and a vehicle headliner;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view illustrating the installation of thetransportation clip of FIG. 25 into an opening provided through aheadliner;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view exploded away illustrating therelationship of the transportation clip of FIG. 25 and a retainer clip;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustrating the transportation clip ofFIG. 25 fully installed into the retainer clip of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view illustrating the retainer clip andtransportation clip in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention in a pre-installation position.

FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view of the retainer clip and atransportation clip in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention shown in an installed position;

FIG. 31 is a side elevational view in partial cross section illustratinganother embodiment of a lever in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 32 is a side elevational view in partial cross section illustratinginstallation of the lever shown in FIG. 31 into a vehicle interior;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a retainerclip in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 34-36 show a sequence of steps for the installation of theretainer clip shown in FIG. 33 into the interior of an automobile;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view in partial cross section which illustratesthe beam member of the retainer clip of FIG. 33.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view exploded away illustrating therelationship of a transportation clip in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention and a vehicle headliner;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view illustrating the installation of thetransportation clip of FIG. 38 into an opening provided through aheadliner;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view illustrating the transportation clip ofFIGS. 38 and 39 fully installed and also illustrating, exploded away,the relationship of the retainer clip to the transportation clip;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view illustrating the transportation clip andthe retainer clip in the installed position;

FIG. 42 is a cross sectional view illustrating the retainer clip andtransportation clip in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention in an installed position.

FIG. 43 is a cross sectional view of the retainer clip and atransportation clip in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention shown in a pre-installation position;

FIG. 44 is a fragmentary sectional view showing an alternate engagementmechanism between the transportation clip and retainer clip inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a fragementary perspective view illustrating the relationshipbetween the trunnion of the beam member of the retainer clip and thetransportation clip;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the transportation clip of FIG. 44; and

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the transportation clip of FIG. 38before the transportation clip is formed or bent into shape.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. Although the drawings representembodiments of the invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scaleand certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrateand explain embodiments incorporating the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a vehicle interior including sunvisor assembly 30, which further includes sun shade 32, vanity mirror34, connecting bracket 36, sun visor rod 38 which is releasably receivedby retainer clip 40. Retainer clip 40 is secured to headliner 39 and arigid interior panel 42 (FIG. 4). The headliner and rigid panel arecollectively referred to herein as a “ceiling panel.”

With reference to FIGS. 2-7, a retainer clip in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention can be understood.Retainer clip 40 includes a housing member 44 which forms a retainerclip body. The housing member defines an edge 46 adapted to abut theexposed side of headliner 39. Housing member 44 further defines a notch48 for releasably receiving rod 38 of sun visor assembly 30. As seen inFIG. 2, housing member 44 includes a pair of fingers 50 integrallyformed with housing member 44. Housing member 44 is formed of a polymermaterial, such as polyethylene, polypropylene or other suitable polymer.Fingers 50 are depressed inwardly as rod 38 is received into notch 48and serve to maintain sun visor 30 in the position shown in FIG. 1. Sunvisor 30 can pivot about a longitudinal axis of rod 38 as isconventional for sun visors for providing shade. Fingers 50 include arounded portion 52 at a distal end thereof so that rod 38 “snaps” intoplace and so that a tactile indication is provided to the vehicle userthat the rod 38 is snapped into place within notch 48.

Lever 54 is movably attached to housing member 44 by means of a pair ofcylindrical pegs 56 (FIG. 28) extending from lever 54 which insert intoa corresponding pair of cylindrical bores 58 (FIG. 28), which in turnare formed in a corresponding pair of beams 60 depending upwardly fromthe interior of housing member 44.

Lever 54 is movable to a first position wherein the lever is adapted forinsertion into opening 62 which extends through panel 42 and headliner39 as seen in FIG. 4. Opening 62 is a two-tiered opening comprising asmaller panel section 64 and a larger headliner section 66. Beam 60includes a cylindrical nub 68 extending from a distal portion thereofwhich serves to guide retainer clip 40 through opening 62. As shown inFIG. 5, lever 54 includes a pair of projections 70 and 72 at its distalend, and the projections define a slot 74 therebetween for receiving aportion of panel 42.

FIG. 7 illustrates a second position of lever 54 in which projection 70of lever 54 abuts panel 42 which helps secure retainer clip 40 to theheadliner and panel. Movement of lever 54 from its first to its secondposition can be appreciated with reference to the sequence of movementdepicted in FIGS. 4-7. As most clearly in FIG. 7, lever 54 and edge 46of clip 40 effectively sandwich panel 42 and headliner 39 therebetweenin the second position of lever 54. With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, andin particular FIG. 7A, locking mechanism 76 including release member 78is illustrated. Lever 54 includes ratchet member 80 disposed thereon inthe shape of a saw-toothed edge. Housing member 44 defines pawl member82 which also is formed as a saw-toothed edge. Ratchet member 80 engagespawl member 82 thereby locking lever 54 in the second position, which inturn secures retainer clip 40 to the interior of the vehicle. It shouldnow be appreciated that retainer clip 40 can easily be inserted andsecured into the vehicle by simply inserting the guide nub 68 intoopening 62 and pushing the clip into place by hand. In so doing, theclip automatically locks into place as the lever automatically moves toits second position.

As shown in FIG. 2, notch 48 of housing 44 forms an access hole 84therethrough for accessing release member 78. As shown in FIG. 8,implement 86, such as a screw driver or scratch awl, can be positionedto engage release member 78 through access hole 84 for disengaging lever54 from the second position, and in turn enabling retainer clip 40 to beremoved.

With reference to FIG. 9 and FIGS. 13-15, a second embodiment of aretainer clip in accordance with the present invention is illustrated.Retainer clip 88 includes bracket 90 having arm member 92 extendingtherefrom. Similar to the first embodiment described above, lever 94 ismovably attached to bracket 90 by means of a pair of cylindrical pegsextending into bores 96. With reference to FIG. 13, lever 94 includes apair of projections 98 and 100 which define a V-shaped slot 102therebetween. With reference to FIG. 15, projection 98 abuts againstpanel 42 whereas arm member 92 of bracket 90 abuts against panel 42 onthe opposite side of the opening 62. A locking mechanism (not shown forthe embodiment depicted in FIG. 9 and FIGS. 13-15) such as that providedfor the above-described first embodiment is provided to maintain lever94 in its second position, thereby securing the retainer clip to thevehicle interior.

FIG. 10 and FIGS. 16-18 illustrate a third embodiment incorporating thepresent invention. Retainer clip 104 includes a pair of levers 106 and108 pivotable about pin 110 disposed within corresponding bores throughlevers 106 and 108. Each lever 106, 108 includes a pair of projections112, 114 and 116, 118, each of which defines a square slot 120, 122,respectively, therebetween. As shown in FIG. 10, the locking mechanismwhich secures levers 106 and 108 into their second position is formed ofa pair of latch members 124 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 10)which engage panel 42 as clip 104 is pressed upwardly into opening 62.The installation of retainer clip 104 can be appreciated with referenceto the sequence depicted by FIGS. 16-18.

FIG. 11 and FIGS. 19-21 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the retainerclip incorporating the present invention. Retainer clip 126 includeslever 128 having cam surface 130 which cammingly engages latch member132 which extends from housing member 134. As shown in FIGS. 20-21, theretainer clip is pushed upwardly which results in camming surface 130engaging latch member 132 and pushing latch member 132 in the directionof arrow 135 which thereby secures retainer clip 126. Lever 128 includesprojections 136, 138 projection 136 abutting against panel 42 when lever128 is in its second position.

FIG. 12 and FIGS. 22-24 illustrate a fifth embodiment of a retainer clipembodying the present invention. With reference to FIG. 12, retainerclip 140 is formed of two housing members 142 and 146. Levers 148 and150 are integrally formed with housing members 142 and 146,respectively. A pivot pin 152 is slidably disposed in correspondingslots 154 (only one of which is shown) formed in levers 148 and 150. Asillustrated in FIGS. 22-24, as retainer clip 140 is inserted intoopening 62 defined by panel 42 and headliner 39, housing members 142 and146 pivot relative to one another while pivot pin 152 slides downwardlyin corresponding slots 154. Projections 156 disposed on each of levers148 and 150 abut against panel 42 in the second position of levers 148and 150 as shown in FIG. 24. A locking mechanism for clip 140 is shownin FIG. 24A. Housing member 142 includes internally disposed latchmember 158 which engages internally disposed catch member 160 which isintegrally formed with housing member 146. Release member 162 can beaccessed through an access opening disposed in the notch as describedabove with reference to the first described embodiment.

FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate a sixth embodiment incorporating the presentinvention wherein lever 164 includes latch member 166 formed as asaw-toothed surface which engages panel 42. As shown in FIG. 32, lever164 includes ratchet member 168 which engages pawl member 170 defined bythe interior of the retainer clip housing. Release member 172 isaccessible through an access opening in the notch which receives the sunvisor rod in order to release the retainer clip.

With reference to FIG. 25, transportation clip 174 is used in atransportable automobile module which includes headliner 39,transportation clip 174 and retainer clip 40. Headliner 39 will beplaced adjacent rigid panel 42 during final assembly of the vehicle.Transportation clip 174 can be “pre-installed” into opening 66 inheadliner 39 by positioning flange members 176 of transportation clip174 in alignment with headliner opening section 66 as shown in FIG. 25.As shown in FIG. 26, transportation clip 174 is then rotated withinheadliner opening section 66 to the position shown in FIG. 27 where itis hooked to the headliner in a “pre-installation” position.Transportation clip 174 engages retainer clip 40 in the pre-installationposition so that the module can be transported with the retainer clipconnected to the headliner.

The engagement of retainer clip 40 with transportation clip 174 in boththe pre-installation and installed positions can be appreciated withreference to FIGS. 29 and 30. As shown in FIG. 29, transportation clip174 includes web members, or catch members 178, having ends 180 thereofwhich extend into recesses 182 formed on opposite sides of retainer clip40. In this position, retainer clip 40 is connected to transportationclip 174 and transportation clip 174 is hooked to headliner 39 by meansof flange members 176 as shown in FIG. 29.

With reference to FIG. 30, when retainer clip 40 is pushed upwardly intothe opening defined by the headliner and panel, transportation clip 174is forced downwardly into retainer clip 40. That is, ends 180 disengagefrom recesses 182 and slide along beam 60 of housing 44. Meanwhile,lever 54 engages panel 44 as described hereinabove with reference to thefirst embodiment. With further reference to FIG. 30, the installedposition includes the flange members 176 being sandwiched betweenheadliner 39 and panel 42. Conveniently, transportation clip 174 isconcealed within retainer clip 40 in the installed position so thattransportation clip 174 need not be removed.

FIG. 33-37 illustrate a seventh embodiment of a retainer clip embodyingthe present invention. With reference to FIG. 33, retainer clip 200includes a housing member 202 which forms a retainer clip body. Thehousing member defines an edge 204 adapted to abut the exposed side ofheadliner 39. Retainer clip body 202 further defines a notch 206 forreleasably receiving rod 38 of sun visor assembly 30.

Lever 208 is movably, more specifically, pivotably, attached to retainerclip body 202 by means of a pair of cylindrical pegs 210 extending fromlever 208 which insert into a corresponding pair of cylindrical bores 58(FIG. 28) disposed in a pair of plates 214 depending upwardly from theinterior of the retainer clip body, which in turn are connected by beam216. As shown in FIG. 37, beam 216 acts as a stop for lever 208,preventing lever 208 from rotating 360 degrees.

Referring now to FIGS. 34-36, lever 208 is movable to a first position(FIG. 34) wherein the lever is adapted for insertion into opening 62,similarly to the embodiments described above. As shown in FIG. 35,symmetrical arms 222 yield inwardly as the retainer clip is pushed intoopening 62. Projections 218 and 220 (which form a slot therebetween)extend from lever 208 and engage the headliner and rigid panel when theretainer clip is installed as shown in FIG. 36. Advantageously, lever208 is symmetrical, in that both arms 222 are identical, so that lever208 could be turned 180 degrees and be installed within retainer clip200.

Retainer clip 200 is shown installed in FIG. 36, but, like theembodiments illustrated above, retainer clip 200 includes a releasemember which is accessible exteriorly so that lever 208 can bedisengaged and the retainer clip removed. Release member 223 is definedby lever 208 and can be accessed through access opening 224 (FIG. 33).As release member 223 is depressed with a pointed implement, arms 222move toward one another and projections 218 and 220 on one of arms 222disengage and the retainer clip can be removed.

Retainer clip 200 provides a tactile sensation and an audible clickingwhen the retainer clip is snapped into position. That is, as the rigidpanel is received in the slot defined by projections 218 and 220, theinstaller can feel and hear that the clip is properly in place.

With reference to FIGS. 38-43, another embodiment of a transportationclip is illustrated. Transportation clip 226 can be “pre-installed” intoopening 66 in headliner 39 by positioning flange members 228 oftransportation clip 226 in alignment with headliner opening section 66as shown in FIG. 38. As shown in FIG. 39, transportation clip 226 isthen pressed against headliner 39 which causes spring-like loop members230 to compress. Transportation clip 226 is then rotated withinheadliner opening section 66 to the position shown in FIG. 40 where itis hooked to the headliner in a “pre-installation” position. Loopmembers 230 spring back to their initial shape after the transportationclip is positioned in the pre-installed position and help secure thetransportation clip in the opening. That is, the semi-circular shape ofloop members 230 allows loop members 230 to engage the opening andprevent the transportation clip from being removed. Further, fingermembers 231 press down against the headliner to more firmly secure thetransportation clip thereto. Transportation clip 226 engages retainerclip 200 in the pre-installation position so that a headliner module canbe transported with the retainer clip connected thereto.

The engagement of retainer clip 200 with transportation clip 226 in boththe pre-installation and installed positions can be appreciated withreference to FIGS. 42 and 43. As shown in FIG. 43, transportation clip226 includes web members, or catch members 232, having ends 234 thereofwhich extend into recesses 236 formed on opposite sides of retainer clip200. In this pre-installation position, retainer clip 200 is connectedto transportation clip 226 and transportation clip 226 is hooked toheadliner 39 by means of flange members 228 as shown in FIG. 43. Therelationship of the retainer clip to the transportation clip in theinstalled position can be seen in FIG. 41. Conveniently, thetransportation clip 226 is concealed in the final installation and neednot be removed. Thus, assembly time and material disposal are reduced.

In some applications, it may be desirable to eliminate the recess 236shown in FIGS. 42 and 43 so that the inside of the retainer clip bodycan be more simply manufactured. An alternate embodiment of atransportation clip 237 which eliminates the need for the recess on theretainer clip is shown in FIGS. 44-46. As shown in FIG. 44, end 229 ofcatch member 238 engages the trunnion, or peg 210, in thepre-installation to hold the retainer clip to the headliner. The elbow240 of catch member 238 is biased against the retainer clip body asshown in FIG. 44 to produce secure engagement of the retainer clip. Whenthe retainer clip is pushed upwardly, catch member 228 slides downwardlyrelative to the retainer clip as shown in FIG. 45 to the installedposition.

With reference to FIG. 42, when retainer clip 200 is pushed upwardlyinto the opening defined by the headliner and panel, transportation clip226 is forced downwardly into retainer clip 200. That is, ends 234disengage from recesses 236 and slide along the retainer clip body.Meanwhile, the lever of the retainer clip engages the rigid panel, asdescribed hereinabove with reference to the first embodiment.

Advantageously, the transportation clip can be molded flat as shown inFIG. 47 and then formed or bent into the position shown in FIG. 38. Flatmolding decreases tooling and other costs associated with manufacturingthe transportation clips.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing embodiments are presented byway of illustration only, and not by way of any limitation, and thatvarious alternatives and modifications may be made to the illustratedembodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. For example, the above-disclosed embodiments describe aretainer clip for releasably receiving a rod of a sun visor. However, itcan be appreciated that the invention could easily be adapted to otherinterior vehicle components, such as the hooks conventionally installedabove the rear doors for hanging coats and the like.

What is claimed is:
 1. An automobile interior assembly, comprising: aceiling panel; a sun visor assembly, said sun visor assembly including arod; a retainer clip releasably secured to said ceiling panel, saidretainer clip defining a notch adapted to receive said rod therein; andsaid retainer clip including a release member pivotably connectedthereto, said release member accessible exteriorly of said retainerclip, whereby engagement of said release member disengages said retainerclip from said ceiling panel.
 2. The interior assembly of claim 1,wherein said retainer clip further comprises a lever pivotably connectedthereto, said lever securing said retainer clip to said ceiling panel.3. The interior assembly of claim 2, wherein said lever defines saidrelease member.
 4. The interior assembly of claim 2, wherein saidceiling panel defines an opening therethrough, said lever engaging saidceiling panel proximate an edge of said opening.
 5. The interiorassembly of claim 4, wherein said lever is concealed by said retainerclip and said ceiling panel.
 6. A retainer clip for use in anautomobile, the automobile including a sun visor assembly having a rod,a rigid panel having a headliner adjacent thereto, and an openingextending through the panel and headliner for insertion of said retainerclip, said retainer clip comprising: a retainer clip body defining anedge adapted to abut the headliner, said retainer clip further defininga notch adapted to receive the rod therein; and a release memberpivotably connected to said retainer clip, whereby said release memberis positionable in a first position for insertion into the opening, anda second position for engagement with the rigid panel thereby securingsaid retainer clip.
 7. The retainer clip of claim 6, wherein saidrelease member is accessible from the exterior of said retainer clip,whereby said retainer clip can be removed.
 8. The retainer clip of claim7, wherein said retainer clip body forms an access hole therethrough foraccessing said release member.
 9. The retainer clip of claim 6, whereinsaid release member comprises a lever pivotably connected thereto, saidlever securing said retainer clip to said rigid panel.
 10. The retainerclip of claim 9, wherein said lever further includes a slot adapted toreceive a portion of the rigid panel proximal to the opening.
 11. Theretainer clip of claim 10, further comprising said slot being defined bya pair of projections, at least one of said projections being adapted toengage the rigid panel.
 12. The retainer clip of claim 9, wherein saidretainer clip body further comprises a beam member disposed therein,said lever being pivotably attached to said beam member.